Removing Bark From Sticks

[stixman]

I have a wonderful method for removing the the bark from sticks.

First remember to always allow the stick to dry for a year or so before working the stick.

Second, I use a pressure washer to remove the bar from the stick blanks. Some type of bark are a bit more difficult to get the bark off. The pressure washer will remove the bark from a maple stick in about five minutes fromtop to bottom.

I use an attachment on the pressure washer that's normally used for blasing off paint from wood or decks.

After the bark is blasted off with the pressure washer, the stick is smooth like a piece of drift wood. I usually do 10 or 15 sticks at a time.

If you try this I think you will be pleased.

[bigEd_H]

Cool tip, Stixman. I haven't done any sticks yet, but I have some pieces of pine that would work on. Now, all I need is a pressure washer.

Ed

[Curtscarving]

I have pilled them green that's not to hard,but dried one's ain't much fun so your tip sound's good. Thank's
Curt

[Donsexton]

That is a good tip. I bet it would work on logs as well.

[Kenny_S]

I have peeled them after a couple of weeks without any problems. But that is a good tip.

[big dave]

Stixman, i have a ? I was just wondering why you prefer to dry your sticks before you carve them, I know I like to do them when they are still green, (mostly carve spirit faces in them). I only cut what I am planning on doing within a weeks time. anyway was just wondering.
thanks,big dave

[big dave]

ps. have you tried this pressure washer method on a diamond willow stick I have one that Bartser gave me afew years back that i want to work on but that dang bark is like glued on?

[Swamper]

I will have to try that on a couple of old hickory and oak sticks i have. But not sure I want to carve aged hickory or oak! But never know till I try!!
Jimbo

[Kenny_S]

Jimbo, Have to have tools that bevels are for hard wood like hickory or oak and not like the bevels for basswood or butternut.. But they are carveable.

[oneofakind]

Great ideal... Thanks for sharing